LilMissDiva Irene

How far out from surgery are you? Ground beef is probably ok if you're already eating ground turkey. I did do the turkey for a long time though because beef has bulked me up in the past. Other than that ground beef is good Protein. I was given an alternative to Pasta here a long time ago and it's called Dreamfield's. I can't even tell the difference between that and real pasta... either that or I don't remember what real pasta taste like anymore.. lol. Anyhow it's always best to stick to your Surgeons guidelines. That said, if you're wondering, ask them why they are so stringent on the carbs/no carbs. I always like to know how/why I'm being ordered to do something. I've eaten carbs throughout my weight loss months. The only times I went super low is to get things moving (weight loss) again and it only took a few days to do that. Other than that I was eating them. I did about 60g per day total, which is double what others do.

Awww Cludgie, you look amazing lady! And Happy (late?) Birthday!!

Great NSV Congrats!!

Heck no you're not an idiot! I always bought smaller clothes as incentive to work to get into them and it worked. It was so much fun! I would pull out clothes that I knew were too small and see how far I could get them up. I'd do this ritual about once a month. Then the next month I'd see how much further I could get them up. I often found that within one or two months I was fitting them already... it was such a great feeling!! The best!! I did what I could to keep myself thinking positively about the journey and not focus so much on the scale alone. Regarding the boobs, well mine did deflate. I went from a 44D to a 34B/C. I had to get them re-inflated. ETA: My scars have faded over time and my lap band scars are actually darker than my sleeve scars. Go figure.

Your Surgeon is a very smart man! I know it's hard to remember these things when you're going through it. I went through it and it was hard for me. I only wish I'd seen a post like this back then. One year from now, you will be a completely different person, and you WILL look back and say... wow!! What DID I get so worked up over? LOL I speak from first person experience.

He does say that right?! Actually I got that one from Friends... the episode where Phoebe re-named herself that. I love Lisa Kudrow!

Princess Consuela Bananahammock. I call her "Sleevie" for short.

***standing ovation*** Love it, and LOVE YOU! You're amazing... just in case I haven't said so lately.

Hello Anna Welcome to VST, and CONGRATS on your tiny new tummy! Hang in there, it definitely does get better and better. It sounds like you are right on track with everything.

CONGRATS!!! Happy Shopping!

My hair started falling out around 4 months post op and didn't really stop until I stopped my rapid weight loss, which was around 10-12 Month post op. I use GNC brand Biotin, 5,000 mcg, dry capsules. I've tried other varieties but I've found this to work amazing in comparison. It doesn't stop it from falling out, but the regrowth is pretty amazing. It comes back super healthy, thick and shiny. Not only that it works to getting the finger nails strong and healthy too! Bonus! No telling how you will be affected but it happens to the majority. But, just know it does grow back. I've also never heard of anyone going totally bald.

Hi Debby, Hey I'm sure you've just encouraged a lot of people right now, so yes BIG SHOUT OUT TO YA!!! And, for me it's always the case that when I get up and move around and/or get my workouts in, I just feel so much better. Great job so far!!

Right on!!! Any type of NSV involving boots is a good one!

Wow great job!!! It keeps getting better and better too

I like this post... I just want to clarify... I was not conveying anyone should PUSH to get in 1,300 calories, especially early out. I couldn't do it, I wouldn't expect anyone else to either. Definitely DON'T eat more than you can just to get the calories in. I was referring to not worrying about it so much to where it becomes obsessive. We will all be able to eat more in time. Protein first, complex carbs next and if you can fit more in then everything else last. Our sleeves won't "stretch" rather they will become less swollen over time, thus allowing more room in. Just eat what you can, and make it the most healthy choice possible. That's all.

No biggie! This journey is so tough, that's why forums like this are so valuable. Excellent blood sugar btw!!

It's ok to feel frustrated!! I get like this too every time I'm sitting down to a good meal and wish I could eat more. Then I look over and watch my Hubby or someone else eat and eat and eat... then I think, darn if I did that I'd be back up to 300 Lbs in no time. Then I suddenly relax, smile and move on.

Be careful not to get into that mindset where you don't want to eat because you're afraid it's too many calories. 1000-1300 isn't too many calories. Especially if you're getting in some type of calorie burning routine. If it slows down the weight loss, that's ok. This isn't a race... you have taken on a lifestyle change and now you have the rest of your life to get to where you want to be. In fact I always say, don't think of how you'll turn out next month. Instead consider yourself one year from now. It's much more realistic... relax a little bit. Again, this is for life... and since you've taken the steps to be healthier, you just added on a whole lot of years of living!! Enjoy it.

Rhap you are not doing anything wrong. Like Katie mentioned, you are experiencing real hunger. Remember what I mentioned on your blog? Likely the only thing that will help the hunger now is only time. Some folks take a little longer for the hunger to go away, and it's usually when you start eating more normal and solid meals. Unfortunately too, there is a small group of folks whose hunger never does go away. I hope this is not the case for you! Keep pushing, you should be close to your puree's if anything. I'm almost sure you will get help with feeling hungry then. *hugs*

Definition of Diet: Temporary. Definition of Lifestyle Change: Permanent

I never thought... anyway I received a PM from a dear friend on Facebook this morning and she told me she was playing around on Google. She did a Search for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Before and After... lo and behold I'm on there. There's actually 2 of me that I found but this is the best one. Again, I never thought I'd become famous over this!!! HAAA!!! Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!

Thanks friends, today was truly a good day! I've been needing one of these... xoxo

Wow, you really take me a-back with this!! It's really true, I don't see myself like that. I just come here and share my story - and hope I can save some lives here. The sleeve IS a lifesaver!! I'll shout it from the rooftops! Thank you so much for this post, it really speaks volumes to me. This is so funny, because like above I really honestly don't view myself in that light. I was really dumbfounded when I got that message this morning. I never would have gone to look otherwise... ha! Hugs girl, you're doing really great and that makes me happy! Maybe from the looks of it!! Ha!! Hugs Lynda, you've always been a joy!!

I believe you are still on liquids? If that's the case then any liquids you consume, even protein shakes can add to both your liquid count as well as your protein count. I even used to substitute a few meals per day with protein shakes to do my best to get everything in. I still rarely did, but I think the main thing is doing your best. Just remember, fluid intake is #1, then protein is #2. HTH